Milan lead race for Ronaldinho

Ronaldinho's brother and agent, Roberto de Assis Moreira, says Milan have an advantage over their city rivals Internazionale in the contest to attract the two-time world player of the year from Barcelona.

Assis said that no deal had yet been struck between the European champions and Barcelona, but acknowledged the Rossoneri are the frontrunners for the Brazilian's signature should he, as is expected, depart the Camp Nou at season's end.

"Milan are enthusiastic about the signing of Ronaldinho," he said. "People are a lot more together on where we stand for next season but that's not to say the deal is done. At the moment we have a contract with Barça and we can't say the move is definite. But Milan have an advantage."

His statement will come as a blow to Inter, whose president, Massimo Moratti, has publicly entered the Serie A leaders into the race to sign the 28-year-old. "If the market is open to Milan, it is open to us too," Moratti said on Sunday.

Asked if Ronaldinho was happy at Barça, Assis said: "I'm not saying there's happiness but there's respect. It isn't a nice situation but that's how it is."